Fostering Future Design Leaders: 19th Annual Student Design Competition Held in Philadelphia

In November, our interiors team in Philadelphia hosted our19^th Student Design Competition, bringing together 35 students from four leading architecture and design institutions in the surrounding area selected based on their geographical locations and strong design programs.

Students from Drexel University, Moore College of Art and Design, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Thomas Jefferson University participated in this intensive competition – reimagining lobby and amenity spaces for an urban high-rise office building in just six hours. 

Judges of this year’s competition included Independent Real Estate Consultant Marelisa Gibson; Jacobs Vice President and Global Principal Nancy Siefert; and Jacobs Interiors Group Leader Debra Aungst. Judges evaluated submissions on alignment with program requirements, ability to clearly convey design concepts and overall quality of presentation. 

The finalists' work was then shared with the Jacobs Design & Strategies Community of Practice for further review and voting. The final decision was made considering design solution, floor plan, perspective, mood board, presentation, graphics and narratives.

Two weeks after the competition, we hosted a reception at the Jacobs Philadelphia office to announce our winners and celebrate their innovative design achievements. 

Join us in congratulating the winners:

• First place: Charlotte Saggers, Thomas Jefferson University
• Second place: Jaysa Even, Thomas Jefferson University
• Third place: Emma Hogan, Thomas Jefferson University
• Honorable mention: Carlee Herman, Moore College of Art and Design
• Honorable mention: Hayley Warnalis, Thomas Jefferson University

"This competition exemplifies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of design professionals," says Jacobs Interiors Group Leader Debra Aungst. "For 19 years, we've provided a platform for students to tackle real-world design challenges, connecting emerging talent with industry expertise. It's inspiring to see these future designers bring fresh perspectives to workplace design while gaining valuable hands-on experience."

The competition's success was made possible by industry vendors – manufacturer sales associates representing interior architectural products including ceiling tiles, floor covering, lighting, textiles and furniture. These supporters joined us at the reception to celebrate the winners and receive recognition for their contributions.

Our work transcends aesthetics, shaping the fabric of our communities by creating spaces that inspire, connect, and thrive, enhancing well-being, driving progress, and building resilient, vibrant community assets.